With the arrival of spring, and nature waking up with color, texture, and inspiration, March is the perfect time to step outside, explore, and use nature as an artistic medium. This month, here are some fun, easy, and economical ways to blend art and nature. Make paintbrushes from...

February is Black History Month which is a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Black artists, activists, and culture shapers. The following tips for youth will help engage with visual arts while honoring Black history. Discover Black artists: Research influential...

Creating art for youth can provide a variety of benefits ranging from stress relief, self-expression, mindfulness, problem-solving skills, instilling patience and perseverance, and fostering innovation.  Even with all the benefits art creation can offer, it can still be intimidating knowing...

Visiting an art museum or art related exhibition for the first time can be exciting, overwhelming, and maybe even a little intimidating.  To set yourself up for success, especially when involving youth in the experience we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to make the most of your visit. ...

The Jasper County soil wasn’t the same color soil as I was used to back at our garden in central Illinois, but it was the homeplace of my beautiful mother and I loved it there. Farming was everyday work with no guarantees, but life was pure, simple, and literally rooted.Grandpa Harris wore bib...

The final school bell rings and sixth grade is over! Colton bolts for the door and into the warm, bright sunshine of summer. He feels a sense of freedom and knows in the very distant future he’s headed to Junior High, but now there are now camps, baseball, a vacation, and a 4-H fair first. His...

Oak Leaf.   Why would the Leaf parents of such a big, strong baby boy name him Oak? That’s seems like a lot of responsibility for a youngster to handle throughout his long life ahead. But Oak was full of potential. Oak knew the future held many uncertainties and challenges, but he...

The positive attitude of the energetic 4-H teens dressed in a neatly pressed green button-down shirts was infectious. There they stood in the State Capital in Springfield, Illinois in the commons area of a State Senator’s office and began a conversation with the receptionist. Within seconds all...

My name is Allyson Aves, I am the fifth generation to be raised on my family’s dairy farm and a fourth generation 4-H member. It is truly an honor to represent  Illinois 4-H as the Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team president.  Being a part of this team as well as a member of 4-H and...

As summer turns into fall, it is important to adapt donations to the changing needs of those who will receive them. The return of school lunches and the reduced pressure placed on refrigeration systems to preserve food will be boons for families struggling with food insecurity, but it is important...